An Efficient Approach for Transforming Unbalanced Transportation Problems into Balanced Problems in Order to Find Optimal Solutions

In operations research, the transportation problem (TP) is among the earliest and most effective applications of the linear programming problem. Unbalanced transportation problems reflect the reality of supply chain and logistics situations where the available supply of goods may not precisely match the demand at different locations. To deal with an unbalanced transportation problem (UTP), it is essential first to convert it into a balanced transportation problem (BTP) to find an initial basic feasible solution (IBFS) and hence the optimal solution. The present paper is concerned with introducing a new approach to convert an unbalanced transportation problem into a balanced one and as a consequence to obtain optimum total transportation cost. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the suggested method.

A NEW MODEL AND SOLUTION FOR TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM

Transportation problem has many real world applications, it can be solved by linear programming model, but in most time the model exists more for less paradox, this paper considers the reasons for the paradox and search the way to eliminate the phenomenon. First this paper formulates a loose constrained linear programming model for the transportation problem, and gives the definition of the paradox which exists in it, some preliminary notions and one example is also given. Then it gives a table based algorithm for the loose constrained model, the steps of the algorithm and example will follow. The examples show that: (1) It is not a contradictory that transportation problem exists more for less paradox. (2) The loose constrained model is better used in practice for its less total cost. (3) The algorithm is easy to calculate, to study and highly speed to convergence. Finally, comparied with other ways it shows that the loose constrained model can thoroughly eliminate the paradox.

Time variant multi-objective linear fractional interval-valued transportation problem

This paper studies a time-variant multi-objective linear fractional transportation problem. In reality, transported goods should reach in destinations within a specific time. Considering the importance of time, a time-variant multi-objective linear fractional transportation problem is formulated here. We take into account the parameters as cost, supply and demand are interval valued that involved in the proposed model, so we treat the model as a multi-objective linear fractional interval transportation problem. To solve the formulated model, we first convert it into a deterministic form using a new transformation technique and then apply fuzzy programming to solve it. The applicability of our proposed method is shown by considering two numerical examples. At last, conclusions and future research directions regarding our study is included.

An Artificial Intelligence Approach for Solving Stochastic Transportation Problems

Recent years witness a great deal of interest in artificial intelligence(AI)tools in the area of optimization.AI has developed a large number of tools to solve themost difficult search-and-optimization problems in computer science and operations research.Indeed,metaheuristic-based algorithms are a sub-field of AI.This study presents the use of themetaheuristic algorithm,that is,water cycle algorithm(WCA),in the transportation problem.A stochastic transportation problem is considered in which the parameters supply and demand are considered as random variables that follow the Weibull distribution.Since the parameters are stochastic,the corresponding constraints are probabilistic.They are converted into deterministic constraints using the stochastic programming approach.In this study,we propose evolutionary algorithms to handle the difficulties of the complex high-dimensional optimization problems.WCA is influenced by the water cycle process of how streams and rivers flow toward the sea(optimal solution).WCA is applied to the stochastic transportation problem,and obtained results are compared with that of the new metaheuristic optimization algorithm,namely the neural network algorithm which is inspired by the biological nervous system.It is concluded that WCA presents better results when compared with the neural network algorithm.

Optimal Solution of Fuzzy Transportation Problem Using Octagonal Fuzzy Numbers

In this paper a fuzzy transportation problem under a fuzzy environment is solved using octagonal fuzzy numbers.The transportation problem is significant and has been widely studied in the field of applied mathematics to solve a system of linear equations in many applications in science.Systems of concurrent linear equations play a vital major role in operational research.The main perspective of this research paper is to find out the minimum amount of transportation cost of some supplies through a capacitated network formerly the availability and the demand notes are octagonal fuzzy numbers.Octagonal fuzzy numbers are used and showed a membership function.To illustrate this method,a fuzzy transportation problem is solved by using octagonal fuzzy numbers using the ranking technique.It is shown that it is the best optimal solution and it is demonstrated with a numerical example.

Gaining-Sharing Knowledge Based Algorithm for Solving Stochastic Programming Problems

This paper presents a novel application of metaheuristic algorithmsfor solving stochastic programming problems using a recently developed gaining sharing knowledge based optimization (GSK) algorithm. The algorithmis based on human behavior in which people gain and share their knowledgewith others. Different types of stochastic fractional programming problemsare considered in this study. The augmented Lagrangian method (ALM)is used to handle these constrained optimization problems by convertingthem into unconstrained optimization problems. Three examples from theliterature are considered and transformed into their deterministic form usingthe chance-constrained technique. The transformed problems are solved usingGSK algorithm and the results are compared with eight other state-of-the-artmetaheuristic algorithms. The obtained results are also compared with theoptimal global solution and the results quoted in the literature. To investigatethe performance of the GSK algorithm on a real-world problem, a solidstochastic fixed charge transportation problem is examined, in which theparameters of the problem are considered as random variables. The obtainedresults show that the GSK algorithm outperforms other algorithms in termsof convergence, robustness, computational time, and quality of obtainedsolutions.

Solving Hitchcock’s transportation problem by a genetic algorithm

Genetic algorithms (GAs) employ the evolutionary process of Darwin’s nature selection theory to find the solutions of optimization problems. In this paper, an implementation of genetic algorithm is put forward to solve a classical transportation problem, namely the Hitchcock’s Transportation Problem (HTP), and the GA is improved to search for all optimal solutions and identify them automatically. The algorithm is coded with C++ and validated by numerical examples. The computational results show that the algorithm is efficient for solving the Hitchcock’s transportation problem.

New Approach to Find Initial Basic Feasible Solution (IBFS) for Optimal Solution in Transportation Problem

Minimizing transportation time and getting optimal solutions are always considered as important factors while solving transportation problem. This paper shows a new approach for finding initial basic solution for transportation problem which reduces cost of transportation more than any transportation method such as LCM, northwest, Vogel’s approximation and so on. This method has been illustrated by taking an example;afterwards, it compares basic initial feasible solution with other methods IBF and optimal dictate solutions such as MODI and Steppingstone method.

A New Approach to Solve Transportation Problems

Finding an initial basic feasible solution is the prime requirement to obtain an optimal solution for the transportation problems. In this article, a new approach is proposed to find an initial basic feasible solution for the transportation problems. The method is also illustrated with numerical examples.

Minimum Cost of Capacity Expansion for Time-Limited Transportation Problem On-Demand

The minimum cost of capacity expansion for time-limited transportation problem on-demand (MCCETLTPD) is to find such a practicable capacity expansion transportation scheme satisfying the time-limited T along with all origins’ supply and all destinations’ demands as well as the expanding cost is minimum. Actually, MCCETLTPD is a balance transportation problem and a variant problem of minimum cost maximum flow problem. In this paper, by creating a mathematical model and constructing a network with lower and upper arc capacities, MCCETLTPD is transformed into searching feasible flow in the constructed network, and consequently, an algorithm MCCETLTPD-A is developed as MCCETLTPD’s solution method basing minimum cost maximum flow algorithm. Computational study validates that the MCCETLTPD-A algorithm is an efficient approach to solving the MCCETLTPD.

GENERALIZED UPWIND SCHEME WITH FRACTIONAL STEPS FOR 3-D PROBLEM OF CONVECTION DOMINATING GROUNDWATER TRANSPORT

A generalized upwind scheme with fractional steps for 3-D mathematical models of convection dominating groundwater quality is suggested. The mass transport equation is split into a convection equation and a dispersive equation. The generalized upwind scheme is used to solve the convection equation and the finite element method is used to compute the dispersive equation.These procedures which not only overcome the phenomenon of the negative concentration and numerical dispersion appear frequently with normal FEM or FDM to solve models of convection dominating groundwater transport but also avoid the step for computing each node velocity give a more suitable method to calculate the concentrations of the well points.

Study on the Transportation Problem of Petrol Secondary Distribution with Considering Shortage Cost

Petrol is a kind of strategic natural resources. Provide legitimate transportation plans for the petrol secondary distribution are the key links to guarantee the petrol provision. If the total supply is insufficient, some petrol stations can’t avoid shortage because their demands could not be met. So the shortage cost will appear. This paper studies the problem of how to arrange the transportation plan in order to minimize the total cost when the total volume of supply is insufficient. Given the storage volume, the sales rate and the unit shortage cost of every petrol station, considering the full loading constraints of the compartment vehicle, a mixed integer programming model for minimizing the total cost of petrol secondary distribution is established. A Lingo program is compiled for solving the model. Finally, simulation on an example has been done and a reasonable transportation plan is obtained. The model and algorithm in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for dispatching department to make transportation plan.

Analysis of the Impact of Optimal Solutions to the Transportation Problems for Variations in Cost Using Two Reliable Approaches

In this paper, we have used two reliable approaches (theorems) to find the optimal solutions to transportation problems, using variations in costs. In real-life scenarios, transportation costs can fluctuate due to different factors. Finding optimal solutions to the transportation problem in the context of variations in cost is vital for ensuring cost efficiency, resource allocation, customer satisfaction, competitive advantage, environmental responsibility, risk mitigation, and operational fortitude in practical situations. This paper opens up new directions for the solution of transportation problems by introducing two key theorems. By using these theorems, we can develop an algorithm for identifying the optimal solution attributes and permitting accurate quantification of changes in overall transportation costs through the addition or subtraction of constants to specific rows or columns, as well as multiplication by constants inside the cost matrix. It is anticipated that the two reliable techniques presented in this study will provide theoretical insights and practical solutions to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transportation systems. Finally, numerical illustrations are presented to verify the proposed approaches.

Optimal paths planning in dynamic transportation networks with random link travel times

A theoretical study was conducted on finding optimal paths in transportation networks where link travel times were stochastic and time-dependent(STD). The methodology of relative robust optimization was applied as measures for comparing time-varying, random path travel times for a priori optimization. In accordance with the situation in real world, a stochastic consistent condition was provided for the STD networks and under this condition, a mathematical proof was given that the STD robust optimal path problem can be simplified into a minimum problem in specific time-dependent networks. A label setting algorithm was designed and tested to find travelers' robust optimal path in a sampled STD network with computation complexity of O(n2+n·m). The validity of the robust approach and the designed algorithm were confirmed in the computational tests. Compared with conventional probability approach, the proposed approach is simple and efficient, and also has a good application prospect in navigation system.

TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS:OLD AND NEW

This paper shows a number of Problems in pure and applied mathematicsthat are solved by constructing transportation networks.Moreover,it also shows thatall the solutions are characterized by forbidden configurations which are not minors.However,all the characterizations are much related to the graphic method which wasfound by Chinese for solving a kind of the transportation problem in the fifties.

3D-Parallel Simulation of Contaminant in Waste Disposals

In this work the authors simulate a contaminant transport problem in three dimensions that takes place in the soil of waste disposals. Such problem is modeled by a diffusion-dominated equation. The solution of this equation is addressed by using mixed finite element method for the spatial discretization of the equation. The resulting linear algebraic system is handled by an iterative domain decomposition procedure. This procedure is naturally parallelizable, and permits to implement computational codes in distributed memory machines in order to save on CPU time. Numerical results of the serial and parallel codes were compared with experimental results, and their performance measures were evaluated. The results indicate that the parallelizable procedure is an efficient tool for performing simulations of the problem.

Mathematical Methods Applied to Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

Mathematics is a key factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), because of its applicability to real situations. To achieve the set goals in SDG, this paper suggests some mathematical methods that will be useful for solving real situations in relation to goals 2 and 12 of SDGs approved by UN when modeled mathematically. The Northwest Corner Method (NWCM), Least Cost Method (LCM), and Vogel Approximation Method (VAM), which are the initial solution methods were examined to ascertain the ideal route of transporting commodities from production facilities to requirement destination while the optimal solution methods involve Stepping Stone Method (SSM), and Modified Distribution Method (MDM), that give the feasible solution which will enhance minimum transportation cost were also thoroughly defined. Subsequent research shall focus on application of the methods in relation to SDGs problems in comparison with other existing methods.

A Heuristic on Risk Management System in Goods Transportation Model Using Multi-Optimality by MODI Method

Transport risk management is one of the predominant issues to any industry for supplying their goods safely and in time to their beneficiaries. Damaging goods or delaying the shipping both make penalty to the company and also reduce the goodwill of the company. Every way of transportation routes has to be comfy which can make sure the supplies will attain without damaging goods and in time and additionally cost efficiently. In this paper, we find a few not unusual risks which might be concerned about all types of way of routes which include Highway, Waterway, Airway, Railway and so forth. Additionally, we proposed a technique to attain multiple optimal solutions by using Modified Distribution Method (MODI) of a transportation problem. Finally, we reduce the risks by minimizing the possible number of transportation routes using multi-optimality technique of the transportation problem.

Transportation Problem with Multi-choice Cost and Demand and Stochastic Supply

This paper analyzes the multi-choice stochastic transportation problem where the cost coefficients of the objective function and the demand parameters of the constraints follow multi-choice parameters.Assume that the supply parameters of the constraints in a transportation problem(TP)follow logistic distribution.The main objective of this paper is to select an appropriate choice from the multi-choices for the cost coefficients of the objective function and the demand of the constraints in the TP by introducing Lagrange’s interpolating polynomial in such a way that the total cost is minimized and satisfies the required demand.Using stochastic programming,the stochastic supply constraints of the TP are transformed into deterministic constraints.Finally,a non-linear deterministic model is formulated.Using Lingo software,the optimal solution of the proposed problem is derived.To illustrate the methodology,a real-life problem on the TP is considered.

TWO-WAY ROAD NETWORK DESIGN PROBLEM WITH VARIABLE LANES

This paper studies a new form of transportation network design problem. In urban transportation network, unreasonable phenomenon can occur in certain traffic period （e.g. on/off duty period）, which demonstrates that the flows of opposite directions on a two-way road are seriously asymmetric; one traffic link of a two-way road congest heavily but the other is hardly used. In order to reduce transportation congestion and make full use of the existing road resources, we propose a lane reallocating approach in peak period, and establish a discrete hi-level programming model for the decision-making. Then, based on particle swarm optimization （PSO） technique, a heuristic solution algorithm for the hi-level model is designed. Finally, the lane reallocating approach is demonstrated through a simple transportation network.